Final answer:
The levels of organization in the biological world range from the hydrogen atom to planet Earth. They build upon each other, from atoms forming molecules, subsequently forming cells, tissues, organs, organisms, populations, ecosystems, and finally composing the biosphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the levels of organization of the biological world from smallest to largest, it is helpful to construct a hierarchy. These levels, when arranged hierarchically, include the hydrogen atom, water molecule, skin cell, liver, elephant, wolf pack, tropical rainforest, and planet Earth. Let's explain why they are placed in this particular order.
- Hydrogen atom: This is the simplest and smallest level, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
- Water molecule: A molecule is a group of atoms bonded together, such as two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom forming water.
- Skin cell: Cells are the basic unit of life and compose living organisms, including the skin cell which is part of the human body.
- Liver: An organ that is made up of tissues, which are groups of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.
- Elephant: Representing an individual organism, an elephant is a complex being made up of organ systems.
- Wolf pack: This represents a social structure or population level, where individuals interact within a group.
- Tropical rainforest: An ecosystem comprises multiple living organisms interacting with each other and their environment.
- Planet Earth: This is the largest and most encompassing level in this context, representing the biosphere or collection of all ecosystems.
In summary, we can see that each subsequent level of organization builds upon the previous one, from the very small and simple to the enormously large and complex.